***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[Mintycake]

I feel I am SO not organized guys LOL. I also just recently learned of the Festival of Fantasy parade at MK so that's going to be a must do. Not sure when because on one day we have a 1:45pm BOG lunch which I think will not work timing wise (we plan to watch from Fronteirland). Now I'm starting to freak out about our MK days, we're RD two days there (one with 7:30am Ohana which is kinda nuts now that I think about it) and one with 8:10am BOG breakfast. Because it's a long trek on Disney busses back to BC, the way I structured the day was to go early, leave room for a possible break around 11:30am (guessing 1 hour to get back to resort?) and then head back around 2:30pm since on those days we are leaving the park early (one night we are at Poly for dinner and DD is at kids club and the other we have 1900 Park Fare dinner at 6:10pm which I figure we'll just leave straight from the park). I'm thinking since we need to leave MK at around 4pm on the Poly day there may be no point in taking a break. OR staying a little later in the park (say until 2pm) and then going back to resort and not going back to MK that day. I guess I cringe at that thought because the tickets are so expensive and I want to squeeze every last dime out of them (I'm cheap that way) but not at the expense of my family.

My DD doesn't take naps and I don't want to force them but I'm wondering if she's up that early every day if she'll need a pool break. Or she may be on Disney adreniline. who knows? And we're not getting a stroller - although my daughter could do the weight requirements she is past the height requirement on them so that's out. Plus she told me there's no way she's riding in a stroller (I was thinking it would be convenient for Epcot and MK but oh well).

I think the other option is just taking uber or taxi to and from MK (we plan to walk to Epcot and HS). Uber here is really reasonable so I'm hoping in FLA it will be too. Kids over 6 in FLA don't need a car seat, right?

 

[Candycane83]

I feel I am SO not organized guys LOL. I also just recently learned of the Festival of Fantasy parade at MK so that's going to be a must do. Not sure when because on one day we have a 1:45pm BOG lunch which I think will not work timing wise (we plan to watch from Fronteirland). Now I'm starting to freak out about our MK days, we're RD two days there (one with 7:30am Ohana which is kinda nuts now that I think about it) and one with 8:10am BOG breakfast. Because it's a long trek on Disney busses back to BC, the way I structured the day was to go early, leave room for a possible break around 11:30am (guessing 1 hour to get back to resort?) and then head back around 2:30pm since on those days we are leaving the park early (one night we are at Poly for dinner and DD is at kids club and the other we have 1900 Park Fare dinner at 6:10pm which I figure we'll just leave straight from the park). I'm thinking since we need to leave MK at around 4pm on the Poly day there may be no point in taking a break. OR staying a little later in the park (say until 2pm) and then going back to resort and not going back to MK that day. I guess I cringe at that thought because the tickets are so expensive and I want to squeeze every last dime out of them (I'm cheap that way) but not at the expense of my family.

My DD doesn't take naps and I don't want to force them but I'm wondering if she's up that early every day if she'll need a pool break. Or she may be on Disney adreniline. who knows? And we're not getting a stroller - although my daughter could do the weight requirements she is past the height requirement on them so that's out. Plus she told me there's no way she's riding in a stroller (I was thinking it would be convenient for Epcot and MK but oh well).

I think the other option is just taking uber or taxi to and from MK (we plan to walk to Epcot and HS). Uber here is really reasonable so I'm hoping in FLA it will be too. Kids over 6 in FLA don't need a car seat, right?

Don't worry @Mintycake you're not alone in not being organized. Honestly, I keep tweaking my dining reservations because I'm not sure how to organize our days!

Yes, Festival of Fantasy parade is at 3pm. Apparently, you would need only around half an hour to wait if you're looking at watching from Frontierland. The problem is I think the parade starts at Frontierland so it gets there faster than it would Main Street. Meaning you will have to wait by around 2:30. I think if you are planning to do this on the same day as BOG, it would be too tight. You may want to do it on the other day you are at MK. If you plan to be back at MK by 2:30, you can probably catch the parade at Main Street. It will be crowded but you will see it.

As for rest/ pool break, maybe you can play that by ear. I know what you mean about squeezing every minute out of those tickets! I guess we have to find the balance between squeezing and getting enough rest time so our kids and we parents don't burn out. I am sooo confused about this. My son is up around 6/7am every morning. So if he's awake, we are too! On a vacation with late nights, I'm not sure how it will all work out. I dont know how it will work out being out all day either... Has your daughter been to theme parks already? I'm thinking about bringing my son to Canada's Wonderland just to experiment...

Too bad about the stroller. Maybe rent one in case she does get tired. She may think she will absolutely not want to ride it but when she gets there and gets tired, she might be willing. At least you know there is something there... only problem is it will cost more money than just bringing your own.

Oh, regarding Taxi/ Uber to MK, you probably would want to go to CR instead of MK. The taxi will take you to the TTC, not MK. So if you get dropped off there, you would need to take the monorail to MK. It's faster to cab to CR and walk to MK.

I kind of researched on Uber and taxis and car seats. I do not plan to bring my own so I tried looking into it. From my understanding, you can actually ride taxis and Uber without a car seat but the child is your liability. (meaning if there's an accident, the taxi/ Uber driver will not be liable) In FLA, there is Uber Family which offers a car seat in their car (has a surcharge) or you can call for a taxi with a car seat. I will probably go with this option when I can.

 

[Lisa F]

I feel I am SO not organized guys LOL. I also just recently learned of the Festival of Fantasy parade at MK so that's going to be a must do. Not sure when because on one day we have a 1:45pm BOG lunch which I think will not work timing wise (we plan to watch from Fronteirland). Now I'm starting to freak out about our MK days, we're RD two days there (one with 7:30am Ohana which is kinda nuts now that I think about it) and one with 8:10am BOG breakfast. Because it's a long trek on Disney busses back to BC, the way I structured the day was to go early, leave room for a possible break around 11:30am (guessing 1 hour to get back to resort?) and then head back around 2:30pm since on those days we are leaving the park early (one night we are at Poly for dinner and DD is at kids club and the other we have 1900 Park Fare dinner at 6:10pm which I figure we'll just leave straight from the park). I'm thinking since we need to leave MK at around 4pm on the Poly day there may be no point in taking a break. OR staying a little later in the park (say until 2pm) and then going back to resort and not going back to MK that day. I guess I cringe at that thought because the tickets are so expensive and I want to squeeze every last dime out of them (I'm cheap that way) but not at the expense of my family.

My DD doesn't take naps and I don't want to force them but I'm wondering if she's up that early every day if she'll need a pool break. Or she may be on Disney adreniline. who knows? And we're not getting a stroller - although my daughter could do the weight requirements she is past the height requirement on them so that's out. Plus she told me there's no way she's riding in a stroller (I was thinking it would be convenient for Epcot and MK but oh well).

I think the other option is just taking uber or taxi to and from MK (we plan to walk to Epcot and HS). Uber here is really reasonable so I'm hoping in FLA it will be too. Kids over 6 in FLA don't need a car seat, right?

Ok, first off. take deep breaths.

second off, if you miss something, even if this is the only trip you ever take - it is not going to ruin your trip. Really, truly and I promise.

Part of the reason I am doing the split stay is that travel is a little difficult with my kiddo. If he is going to melt down, it is going to be at the end of the day waiting for transportation... so we are staying in boardwalk area for first half and MK area for second. I am planning some late nights but have some breaks built into my trip as well (2 of them). in 2014 when my son was your daughter's age he refused breaks and we went from park open til park close. we did no RD except for Jedi Training Academy day. we were just there within an hour of opening and stayed until close most of the time (fireworks). We did the Halloween party and we did AK in the morning then MK at 4pm and we stayed til just after fireworks. He is older now and has been up til midnight on special occasions so we'll see how that goes... he did stay up til the end of the DVC party (midnight) with his father in february. Throughout our trip I am gradually shifting his schedule later and later.

I also don't know that a "pool break" is much of a break. To me taking my kid in the pool is an activity. getting him dressed, getting me dressed, going down to the pool, going back up and doing it in reverse. For me this is a planned activity over two days. Between the travel back to resort and the prep time and the recovery time and the travel back to the parks that's a good 1/3 to 1/2 of a park day. Which is fine if that's how your vacation works but if you are going commando-like it's more effort than you may be imagining it is I think. That said i know it works for lots of people - for my son, the transitions are hard, so we just go til we can't anymore. All of that travel would not be relaxing for him.

Agree with @Candycane83 about the uber strategy of going to CR and walking.

 

[Candycane83]

I agree with @Lisa F in all her points. I think that it's true we want to do as much as possible even if there's a next trip since we do not go as often as most people on these boards do. But it is a vacation and whatever happens, I think it's better that everyone enjoy it and miss something than do everything and be miserable.

For pool time, you are paying to stay at your resort and use their facilities so half a day would be great way to enjoy this maybe you could do this one day when you have a late night. So pool in the morning, a little rest or break in the room then parks in the afternoon to the evening.

The thing for us is that I am willing to pay for a cab at any time. If we are stressed over taking the bus, I'll just grab a cab/ uber. No driving for us since that's not a vacation for DH.

 

[Lisa F]

I agree with @Lisa F in all her points. I think that it's true we want to do as much as possible even if there's a next trip since we do not go as often as most people on these boards do. But it is a vacation and whatever happens, I think it's better that everyone enjoy it and miss something than do everything and be miserable.

For pool time, you are paying to stay at your resort and use their facilities so half a day would be great way to enjoy this maybe you could do this one day when you have a late night. So pool in the morning, a little rest or break in the room then parks in the afternoon to the evening.

The thing for us is that I am willing to pay for a cab at any time. If we are stressed over taking the bus, I'll just grab a cab/ uber. No driving for us since that's not a vacation for DH.

Also it just hit me that you are staying at the beach club. that is the best pool on property - a mini water park. I am planning one pool day per resort (one of the days is being shared with disney springs too though but for me the appeal of downtown disney is limited and I will hit a few favorite stores in the marketplace and that's it. not even planning to eat there). But basically SUPER relaxed. 9:30 breakfast, then an early dinner with pool in between.

I always rent a car. it's my own personal OCD issue. I don't do buses and I formed my disney habits 15 years ago and am disinclined to change now that uber is an option. I don't like waiting and would rather be walking than waiting for a bus. I drive anywhere I can't get to by boat/monorail/walking. I drive from the airport. I don't use it a ton but it is worth it to have that sense of freedom for me. If uber was available when I formed my habits I might be tempted. My car will be $200 for a week but I still won't do ME, so a town car would be $130 + $26 tip so $156. For $200 for the week I'd rather just have my own car and the freedom it entails. I don't think it would be hard to rack up another $40 in cab rides for someone who won't take the bus

 

[Candycane83]

Also it just hit me that you are staying at the beach club. that is the best pool on property - a mini water park. I am planning one pool day per resort (one of the days is being shared with disney springs too though but for me the appeal of downtown disney is limited and I will hit a few favorite stores in the marketplace and that's it. not even planning to eat there). But basically SUPER relaxed. 9:30 breakfast, then an early dinner with pool in between.

I always rent a car. it's my own personal OCD issue. I don't do buses and I formed my disney habits 15 years ago and am disinclined to change now that uber is an option. I don't like waiting and would rather be walking than waiting for a bus. I drive anywhere I can't get to by boat/monorail/walking. I drive from the airport. I don't use it a ton but it is worth it to have that sense of freedom for me. If uber was available when I formed my habits I might be tempted. My car will be $200 for a week but I still won't do ME, so a town car would be $130 + $26 tip so $156. For $200 for the week I'd rather just have my own car and the freedom it entails. I don't think it would be hard to rack up another $40 in cab rides for someone who won't take the bus

LOL, yes! I do taxis and uber or reliable public transport (subway in Hong Kong ) whenever I travel. It's either that or I walk. I don't usually do town cars when I travel, usually just a taxi which is cheaper. It does come up to around $200 by the end of it but I think it's ok for us since DH gets lost a lot and it's stressful since I have to navigate for him.
No pool day for me. I would consider it next time but this time is just for parks. We plan on going to Disney springs a few times and resort hopping so that's basically our down time. Unfortunately, I'm not used to travelling with a child, this is going to be my first time. Usually, I like to be on the go all the time... (unfortunate for anyone travelling with me)
On another note, I think I have my dining plans sorted! Still waiting for earlier BOG on party day but I think I'm going to stop switching around now...

 

[Maryemcd]

I always rent a car. it's my own personal OCD issue. I don't do buses and I formed my disney habits 15 years ago and am disinclined to change now that uber is an option. I don't like waiting and would rather be walking than waiting for a bus. I drive anywhere I can't get to by boat/monorail/walking. I drive from the airport. I don't use it a ton but it is worth it to have that sense of freedom for me. If uber was available when I formed my habits I might be tempted. My car will be $200 for a week but I still won't do ME, so a town car would be $130 + $26 tip so $156. For $200 for the week I'd rather just have my own car and the freedom it entails. I don't think it would be hard to rack up another $40 in cab rides for someone who won't take the bus

YES! I've only stayed on property one time for 3 days, but even if we were staying there again I would never only rely on WDW transportation. I've seen people say it is relaxing that they don't have to drive, but to me it is VERY STRESSFUL to be waiting around for buses, boats, and other transportation. Timing... crowds... reliability....

 

[Mintycake]

Thanks guys! I feel like because we're spending so much money and it's our first vacation in 3 years (!) that I have to make it perfect for everyone. DD wants to do as much princess stuff as possible and then DH just wants it as low stress and low crowd as possible and I just want to eat good food and go on rides LOL (and geek out over Star Wars stuff). I figure what I've planned tries to hits everyones needs, even though I know DH would rather sleep in, he's willing to wake up to avoid crowds.

I know a lot of people on this board talk about "breaks" from the park when the crowds tend to increase (around 12 - 3pm) and we plan to do that for one epcot day and the HS day (the other Epcot day we're leaving the park at 4pm so not sure if a break is warranted). For MK I'm just wondering about travel time. It might make more sense to do the early mornings and stay until 2pm and then spend the afternoon at the pool until dinner, making it more of an activity like @Lisa F said (not returning to park). I guess it depends on travel times to-from the parks to BC. I think it's only 10 minutes to IG from Epcot and 25 by boat/walk from HS but MK will be further (like @Candycane83 we will take cabs/uber if it saves us hassle). And I've just heard horror stories about the bus so avoiding them was part of the strategy of staying at BC (that and the pool, and we got a good deal on the room). We have a morning where DD will do the pirate cruise and DH and I are going to lounge by the pool or just generally chill out in our room

As for DD - she is usually okay with transitions but she hooks on to stuff. At Center island last year (small theme park) she rode this one ride like 10 times. if she likes a ride she will want to ride it multiple times. Which scares me if she wants to do FEA or 7DMT over and over...there are some rides we just won't be able to do multiple times.

I guess we'll just wait and see.

 

[Candycane83]

Thanks guys! I feel like because we're spending so much money and it's our first vacation in 3 years (!) that I have to make it perfect for everyone. DD wants to do as much princess stuff as possible and then DH just wants it as low stress and low crowd as possible and I just want to eat good food and go on rides LOL (and geek out over Star Wars stuff). I figure what I've planned tries to hits everyones needs, even though I know DH would rather sleep in, he's willing to wake up to avoid crowds.

I know a lot of people on this board talk about "breaks" from the park when the crowds tend to increase (around 12 - 3pm) and we plan to do that for one epcot day and the HS day (the other Epcot day we're leaving the park at 4pm so not sure if a break is warranted). For MK I'm just wondering about travel time. It might make more sense to do the early mornings and stay until 2pm and then spend the afternoon at the pool until dinner, making it more of an activity like @Lisa F said (not returning to park). I guess it depends on travel times to-from the parks to BC. I think it's only 10 minutes to IG from Epcot and 25 by boat/walk from HS but MK will be further (like @Candycane83 we will take cabs/uber if it saves us hassle). And I've just heard horror stories about the bus so avoiding them was part of the strategy of staying at BC (that and the pool, and we got a good deal on the room). We have a morning where DD will do the pirate cruise and DH and I are going to lounge by the pool or just generally chill out in our room

As for DD - she is usually okay with transitions but she hooks on to stuff. At Center island last year (small theme park) she rode this one ride like 10 times. if she likes a ride she will want to ride it multiple times. Which scares me if she wants to do FEA or 7DMT over and over...there are some rides we just won't be able to do multiple times.

I guess we'll just wait and see.

I'm totally with you on the food! LOL, it's become my main focus. Unfortunately, last time DH and I went, he was not too impressed with the food. We did just go to Vegas earlier that year and he was kind of comparing the 2 so maybe that's why.

I should probably try center island too with DS... Thanks for the idea! I think it's best to prepare her and explain to her about some rides being very busy. Slowly get her used to the idea maybe.

We still have 4 month+ to plan so don't stress out too much! I think slowly build your plan and list the absolute must dos, must dos and just for fun things you would like to fit in. I think the main thing is to know what is important to you and I think you already know that. The other things will be icing on the cake.

 

[Lisa F]

LOL, yes! I do taxis and uber or reliable public transport (subway in Hong Kong ) whenever I travel. It's either that or I walk. I don't usually do town cars when I travel, usually just a taxi which is cheaper. It does come up to around $200 by the end of it but I think it's ok for us since DH gets lost a lot and it's stressful since I have to navigate for him.
No pool day for me. I would consider it next time but this time is just for parks. We plan on going to Disney springs a few times and resort hopping so that's basically our down time. Unfortunately, I'm not used to travelling with a child, this is going to be my first time. Usually, I like to be on the go all the time... (unfortunate for anyone travelling with me)
On another note, I think I have my dining plans sorted! Still waiting for earlier BOG on party day but I think I'm going to stop switching around now...

I don't mind driving nor do I find it stressful. For those who haven't been yet or driven around WDW, it is VERY easy to navigate from park to park on disney property because the signage is very good (I have a poor sense of direction). I have been going for 16 years though, when i was married we were going 3-4 times a year (that is when we bought DVC and when premium annual passes were $375). then I had the kid and we brought him as a baby (I think when he was about 6 months old in early december - that was the trip with the y&y projectile vomiting in the shower incident) and took him back when he was a bit under 2 when we were in the process of separating (it was a weird trip for sure but we decided to go since we had so much invested in it already and we were going with friends). Then it was 4 years until I had my financial feet under me to be able to take him and ex and I were getting along better so I asked if I could use the DVC for the cost of the dues (which I agreed to let him have in the divorce). I was nervous for sure but a lot of it came back to me. For me since I have gone so much in my life I am VERY easy going about what we get to do and not and have no problem following his lead. At the same time it felt once in a lifetime for me because i couldn't see taking him often, but shortly after that we agreed to split the DVC since my name was still on it and exH still owed me money from our divorce settlement, I retained half ownership in lieu of cash. So now I can use it every other year and we split the dues, which works out nicely - $35 a month is very doable in my budget and I've found I CAN save for a very nice trip every other year with room taken care of. Kiddo goes more than we ever intended but oh well. His dad took him in february and it was kind of last minute (like I had already started planning my own trip when he planned his ) but then I ran some numbers and ended up splitting a DVC Gold AP for the kiddo and it was $285 each, which was less than each of us getting a 7 day ticket for him but ALSO includes the photo pass for the full year (which I did pay for OOP when I took him in 2014) which is a $149 savings for each of us or something. So now I am thinking going forward we may have to plan it that way, try to make our trips in the same year to share the AP. It is over a $200 savings for each of our trip which paid for the xmas part or a dessert party or something. not insignificant.

So what are your plans now?

 

[Lisa F]

Thanks guys! I feel like because we're spending so much money and it's our first vacation in 3 years (!) that I have to make it perfect for everyone. DD wants to do as much princess stuff as possible and then DH just wants it as low stress and low crowd as possible and I just want to eat good food and go on rides LOL (and geek out over Star Wars stuff). I figure what I've planned tries to hits everyones needs, even though I know DH would rather sleep in, he's willing to wake up to avoid crowds.

I know a lot of people on this board talk about "breaks" from the park when the crowds tend to increase (around 12 - 3pm) and we plan to do that for one epcot day and the HS day (the other Epcot day we're leaving the park at 4pm so not sure if a break is warranted). For MK I'm just wondering about travel time. It might make more sense to do the early mornings and stay until 2pm and then spend the afternoon at the pool until dinner, making it more of an activity like @Lisa F said (not returning to park). I guess it depends on travel times to-from the parks to BC. I think it's only 10 minutes to IG from Epcot and 25 by boat/walk from HS but MK will be further (like @Candycane83 we will take cabs/uber if it saves us hassle). And I've just heard horror stories about the bus so avoiding them was part of the strategy of staying at BC (that and the pool, and we got a good deal on the room). We have a morning where DD will do the pirate cruise and DH and I are going to lounge by the pool or just generally chill out in our room

As for DD - she is usually okay with transitions but she hooks on to stuff. At Center island last year (small theme park) she rode this one ride like 10 times. if she likes a ride she will want to ride it multiple times. Which scares me if she wants to do FEA or 7DMT over and over...there are some rides we just won't be able to do multiple times.

I guess we'll just wait and see.

My kid is on the spectrum but i have found that a lot of his stuff is still just normal kid stuff, just pumped WAY up. So one trick I have for when I know that he is going to have a tough time with a transition is distraction. So after FEA or 7DMT, have a plan to immediately put her into something else awesome (well as quickly as you can).

Yeah I know a lot of people talk about breaks. I don't believe in them. But I do believe in TS restaurants, which also serves as a bit of a break. sometimes it is such a slog back to the hotel that it's not much of a break.

I do have two days when we aer going back to the hotel in advance of a 5pm signature dinner (one of those days is also resort change day) and I have 2 days where we are doing no parks until early dinnertime. and then I have like 3 days where I am gogogoing from RD to close.

 

[Candycane83]

@Lisa F haven't really figured out what to do with fastpasses and ride goals yet but it's a rough current plan. We have a lot of TS and hopefully DS will take that as downtime and sleep in the stroller when he needs to... breaks will probably depend on his move though i scheduled some already for late nights, except for Dec 7... i might have to cut that day short.

Current plans

Dec 3
9:30am- check out of universal and move to AKL
11:30am Boathouse
Head back to AKL and settle in room
4:55pm Tiffins (looking to change to Yak and Yeti if there is availability or dining package if ROL is running)
FP+: Sunset Safari 6-7
Goal: Safari, watch Tree of Life awakening and Everest single rider

Dec 4
9am bus to MK/ 9:15 take taxi to CR
10am California Grill
5:25pm Narcoosee’s
FP+: Mickey in Town Sqaure, Peter Pan, Buzz
Goal: watch Festival of Fantasy parade at 3pm, dumbo, small world, tea cups

Dec 5
AK EMH
7:45am-8am get on bus to AK
10:20am Tusker House
Head back to AKL for break
Take cab to DHS at 3pm
4:30pm Minnie’s Holiday Dine F! package
FP+ TSMM
Goal: watch F!

Dec 6
10am (or earlier) Check out of AKL and head to AK
11am Yak and Yeti
After lunch, head to EPCOT and check out WS
2- 3pm head to CR via monorail and check in, settle in room
5-5:30pm head to Disney Springs
6:30pm STK

Dec 7
DHS am
Goal: Disney Junior Live, meet and greet Disney Jr characters
12nn Hop to EPCOT
1:30pm Biergarten
7pm Coral Reef
FP+: FEA, character spot, spaceship earth
Goal: Watch Illuminations, try for meet and greet for Joy and Sadness after dinner

Dec 8
Resort hop and MVMCP
10:50am Kona
6:20pm BOG (trying for earlier time)
Goal: watch parade and fireworks, maybe meet and greets (need to research) and rides

Dec 9
Head to DS
11:30am-12nn: Florida Homecoming Kitchen (pending opening)
5-5:30pm: Flying Fish (pending reopening)
EPCOT at night
FP+ Soarin/ FEA, nemo, spaceship earth?

Dec 10
7:25am Chef Mickeys
MK RD
11:50 Skippers (light lunch to be shared)
Break after lunch
5:10pm Ohana
Head back to MK
FP+ Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise?
Goal: watch MSEP

Dec 11
MK in the morning
11:30-11:40 BOG (got 3 single reservations for lunch)
Head to EPCOT
4:15pm Garden Grill
6pm head to DHS and hopefully get the dessert party

Dec 12
8:10 Crystal Palace PPO
Goal: empty MK pics
Head home!

 

[CynBeth]

Just in case anyone else had wanted to eat at Tony's for dinner and had trouble getting an ADR, I kept checking and was able to book yesterday for 12/5 and there were a lot of times available.

 

[Lisa F]

Just in case anyone else had wanted to eat at Tony's for dinner and had trouble getting an ADR, I kept checking and was able to book yesterday for 12/5 and there were a lot of times available.

wonder if the msep packages are available

 

[Mintycake]

I'm loving those plans, @Candycane83 !

Here's mine

Dec 2
Arrival - check into BC, grab food from Boardwalk (pizza? cart? bakery?)

Dec 3
HS day
8:05 ppo H&V and Jedi Training signup. Hit Rock N' Roller coaster, Great Movie Ride and Star Tours right after breakfast.
12:25 Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg (will likely cancel and grab a bite at Starring Rolls instead)
4:15pm 50s Prime Time diner
Star Wars Fireworks desert party or if no SW Fireworks will keep Fantasmic pkg
FP+ goals: TSMM (Tier 1), Voyage of Little Mermaid and Tower of Terror (Tier 2), hope to pick up Star Tours and Frozen Singalong if needed
meet Olaf, Kylo Ren, Chewie, do all the Star Wars stuff, Beauty and the Beast show, March of first order and Galaxy far away shows
Skip: Muppets, Indiana Jones

Dec 4
MK Day
8:10am BoG breakfast, then go directly to 7DMT and PP in fantasyland, and the try to catch Merida
lunch ? QS
4:30pm leave MK to go to Poly to drop DD at Lilo's playhouse
5:45pm Kona Cafe dinner and drinks at Tambu lounge/Trader Sams (Date night)
9:30pm - pick up DD from playhouse - Can you go to the beach and watch Wishes if you are not a guest at the poly??? if so may watch Wishes at 10pm or taxi/uber back to BC
FP+ goals: 7DmT, Princess fairytale Hall (Rapunzel), Space Mountain (Will stick to Fantasyland and Tomorrow Land for this day). Hope to pick up extra FP for Ariel, Little Mermaid, Pooh, Barnstormer

Dec 5
Epcot
7:30am Cape May breakfast
RD at IG for Joy and Sadness, Soarin (DH to Test track single rider)
Lunch - ?
4:10 Dinner Teppan Edo (may cancel and do a QS)
FP+ goals: FEA, Mission Space, Character Spot, may pick up other FP+ for Illuminations if available?
This is the day we may take an afternoon break and then return for illluminations. Staying mostly in Future World. Living with the Land tour, Figment, Ellens energy world (We may skip as DD isn't a fan of Dinos and I remember this attraction as a teenager before the Ellen part and I thought it was kinda scary). A&E M&G after we do FEA, Mexico

Dec 6
Epcot
RD Soarin OR just get there early to do attractions - depends on how much we get done on day 1
10:50am Akershus "brunch"
lunch?
leave at 4:30pm to drop DD at Sandcastle club
6pm Beaches and Cream date night, then return to Epcot to explore World Showcase (may drop dinner in favour of QS)
FP+ goal: FEA, SpaceShip Earth, Anna and Elsa M&G if we don't do it first day. Finish or repeat any attractions we didn't do the day before.
We may skip the Seas pavillion or do it...depends on what DD wants and time permitting.

Dec 7
MK
9:30am DD on Pirate Cruise from Yacht Club - returns 11:30am
head to MK for BOG lunch at 1:45pm (what time should we leave BC?)
5:25pm dinner Skippers Canteen (may swap this out for QS in Fantasyland)
FP+ goal: Town Square Mickey, Pooh, mine train? Not sure. Plan to finish up Fantasyland and tomorrowland on this day. Stay for Wishes, electrical parade (late night).

Dec 8
MK day
7:30am Ohana breakfast (cab to Poly) then head to MK Fronteirland
12 noon - Pirates League Mermaid makeover for DD (need to arrive by 11:45am and I think it takes an hour) - grab a quick bite in Fronteirland for lunch after (probably have snack before depending how full we are from breakfast)
2:30pm get spot for Festival of Fantasy parade
Finish Fronteirland
5:10pm leave MK to go to GF for 6:10 dinner reservation at 1900 Park Fare
Back to BC to enjoy the pool and pack and get ready for departure

Dec 9
Departure day - ME pick up at 7am

Thoughts?

 

[Candycane83]

wonder if the msep packages are available

I got one for 12/3... Since my boathouse reservation is on OpenTable... I looked again 2 mins after to change the time but it all disappeared! So weird!!

 

[Candycane83]

@Mintycake looking good! A rough plan is great to start and get your priorities in order

Dec 4- I think all the beaches are not open at night anymore? Maybe someone else can comment. if that's not an option, you can always watch at TTC. It's walkable from poly and they pipe in the music there. From there you can catch a cab or the bus to

Dec 5- maybe you could do a TS lunch somewhere your DD/DH would be interested in? Then just drop teppan edo?

Dec7/8- since you're doing a late night on Dec 7, maybe you could think about pushing back your Ohana breakfast to a slightly later time? Unless you're going for RD.. I think that lots of late nights and early mornings with no breaks would be very stressful, at least for my family. When it was just myself and DH, we couldn't really keep up with that pace either. I did PPO and late nights, we ended up crashing in the afternoons.

 

[PolyRob]

I'm loving those plans, @Candycane83 !

Here's mine

Dec 2
Arrival - check into BC, grab food from Boardwalk (pizza? cart? bakery?)

Dec 3
HS day
8:05 ppo H&V and Jedi Training signup. Hit Rock N' Roller coaster, Great Movie Ride and Star Tours right after breakfast.
12:25 Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg (will likely cancel and grab a bite at Starring Rolls instead)
4:15pm 50s Prime Time diner
Star Wars Fireworks desert party or if no SW Fireworks will keep Fantasmic pkg
FP+ goals: TSMM (Tier 1), Voyage of Little Mermaid and Tower of Terror (Tier 2), hope to pick up Star Tours and Frozen Singalong if needed
meet Olaf, Kylo Ren, Chewie, do all the Star Wars stuff, Beauty and the Beast show, March of first order and Galaxy far away shows
Skip: Muppets, Indiana Jones

Dec 4
MK Day
8:10am BoG breakfast, then go directly to 7DMT and PP in fantasyland, and the try to catch Merida
lunch ? QS
4:30pm leave MK to go to Poly to drop DD at Lilo's playhouse
5:45pm Kona Cafe dinner and drinks at Tambu lounge/Trader Sams (Date night)
9:30pm - pick up DD from playhouse - Can you go to the beach and watch Wishes if you are not a guest at the poly??? if so may watch Wishes at 10pm or taxi/uber back to BC
FP+ goals: 7DmT, Princess fairytale Hall (Rapunzel), Space Mountain (Will stick to Fantasyland and Tomorrow Land for this day). Hope to pick up extra FP for Ariel, Little Mermaid, Pooh, Barnstormer

Dec 5
Epcot
7:30am Cape May breakfast
RD at IG for Joy and Sadness, Soarin (DH to Test track single rider)
Lunch - ?
4:10 Dinner Teppan Edo (may cancel and do a QS)
FP+ goals: FEA, Mission Space, Character Spot, may pick up other FP+ for Illuminations if available?
This is the day we may take an afternoon break and then return for illluminations. Staying mostly in Future World. Living with the Land tour, Figment, Ellens energy world (We may skip as DD isn't a fan of Dinos and I remember this attraction as a teenager before the Ellen part and I thought it was kinda scary). A&E M&G after we do FEA, Mexico

Dec 6
Epcot
RD Soarin OR just get there early to do attractions - depends on how much we get done on day 1
10:50am Akershus "brunch"
lunch?
leave at 4:30pm to drop DD at Sandcastle club
6pm Beaches and Cream date night, then return to Epcot to explore World Showcase (may drop dinner in favour of QS)
FP+ goal: FEA, SpaceShip Earth, Anna and Elsa M&G if we don't do it first day. Finish or repeat any attractions we didn't do the day before.
We may skip the Seas pavillion or do it...depends on what DD wants and time permitting.

Dec 7
MK
9:30am DD on Pirate Cruise from Yacht Club - returns 11:30am
head to MK for BOG lunch at 1:45pm (what time should we leave BC?)
5:25pm dinner Skippers Canteen (may swap this out for QS in Fantasyland)
FP+ goal: Town Square Mickey, Pooh, mine train? Not sure. Plan to finish up Fantasyland and tomorrowland on this day. Stay for Wishes, electrical parade (late night).

Dec 8
MK day
7:30am Ohana breakfast (cab to Poly) then head to MK Fronteirland
12 noon - Pirates League Mermaid makeover for DD (need to arrive by 11:45am and I think it takes an hour) - grab a quick bite in Fronteirland for lunch after (probably have snack before depending how full we are from breakfast)
2:30pm get spot for Festival of Fantasy parade
Finish Fronteirland
5:10pm leave MK to go to GF for 6:10 dinner reservation at 1900 Park Fare
Back to BC to enjoy the pool and pack and get ready for departure

Dec 9
Departure day - ME pick up at 7am

Thoughts?

@Mintycake I think that lots of late nights and early mornings with no breaks would be very stressful, at least for my family. When it was just myself and DH, we couldn't really keep up with that pace either. I did PPO and late nights, we ended up crashing in the afternoons.

I agree with @Candycane83 about the early mornings/late nights. My family that consisted of all adults got tired of doing RD to close by day 4 of our first trip to Disney World. When you first see everything, it is truly magical and you think you can do it all! My sister also had the mentality that she wanted to get every penny out of those park tickets. Averaging 12 miles a day, most of my family agreed that we needed to modify our 5th day, and I ended up pushing all FP+ back, canceling a lunch, and adding the last seating at Kona for breakfast at 11am. We woke up late, casually made it to breakfast since we were staying at the Polynesian, and we were still able to fit in Epcot and hop to HS to make the FP+ we had planned.

Every family will have a different touring preference. We personally enjoyed little mid-day breaks back to our resort to regroup, freshen up, and rest. Granted it was mid-May and we had some 90+ degree weather and got poured on twice, but it really helped us out.

I would definitely make a structured itinerary like you currently have, but just be flexible knowing weather or preferences will change once you are visiting. You may also want to revisit a park you had only planned for one day and need to move things around. This was HS for us. I had read so much about how it was only a half day park looking at what was closed, but we really enjoyed many of the rides, attractions, and atmosphere! We ended up visiting it two more times!

 

[CynBeth]

I'm loving those plans, @Candycane83 !

Here's mine

Dec 2
Arrival - check into BC, grab food from Boardwalk (pizza? cart? bakery?)

Dec 3
HS day
8:05 ppo H&V and Jedi Training signup. Hit Rock N' Roller coaster, Great Movie Ride and Star Tours right after breakfast.
12:25 Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg (will likely cancel and grab a bite at Starring Rolls instead)
4:15pm 50s Prime Time diner
Star Wars Fireworks desert party or if no SW Fireworks will keep Fantasmic pkg
FP+ goals: TSMM (Tier 1), Voyage of Little Mermaid and Tower of Terror (Tier 2), hope to pick up Star Tours and Frozen Singalong if needed
meet Olaf, Kylo Ren, Chewie, do all the Star Wars stuff, Beauty and the Beast show, March of first order and Galaxy far away shows
Skip: Muppets, Indiana Jones

Dec 4
MK Day
8:10am BoG breakfast, then go directly to 7DMT and PP in fantasyland, and the try to catch Merida
lunch ? QS
4:30pm leave MK to go to Poly to drop DD at Lilo's playhouse
5:45pm Kona Cafe dinner and drinks at Tambu lounge/Trader Sams (Date night)
9:30pm - pick up DD from playhouse - Can you go to the beach and watch Wishes if you are not a guest at the poly??? if so may watch Wishes at 10pm or taxi/uber back to BC
FP+ goals: 7DmT, Princess fairytale Hall (Rapunzel), Space Mountain (Will stick to Fantasyland and Tomorrow Land for this day). Hope to pick up extra FP for Ariel, Little Mermaid, Pooh, Barnstormer

Dec 5
Epcot
7:30am Cape May breakfast
RD at IG for Joy and Sadness, Soarin (DH to Test track single rider)
Lunch - ?
4:10 Dinner Teppan Edo (may cancel and do a QS)
FP+ goals: FEA, Mission Space, Character Spot, may pick up other FP+ for Illuminations if available?
This is the day we may take an afternoon break and then return for illluminations. Staying mostly in Future World. Living with the Land tour, Figment, Ellens energy world (We may skip as DD isn't a fan of Dinos and I remember this attraction as a teenager before the Ellen part and I thought it was kinda scary). A&E M&G after we do FEA, Mexico

Dec 6
Epcot
RD Soarin OR just get there early to do attractions - depends on how much we get done on day 1
10:50am Akershus "brunch"
lunch?
leave at 4:30pm to drop DD at Sandcastle club
6pm Beaches and Cream date night, then return to Epcot to explore World Showcase (may drop dinner in favour of QS)
FP+ goal: FEA, SpaceShip Earth, Anna and Elsa M&G if we don't do it first day. Finish or repeat any attractions we didn't do the day before.
We may skip the Seas pavillion or do it...depends on what DD wants and time permitting.

Dec 7
MK
9:30am DD on Pirate Cruise from Yacht Club - returns 11:30am
head to MK for BOG lunch at 1:45pm (what time should we leave BC?)
5:25pm dinner Skippers Canteen (may swap this out for QS in Fantasyland)
FP+ goal: Town Square Mickey, Pooh, mine train? Not sure. Plan to finish up Fantasyland and tomorrowland on this day. Stay for Wishes, electrical parade (late night).

Dec 8
MK day
7:30am Ohana breakfast (cab to Poly) then head to MK Fronteirland
12 noon - Pirates League Mermaid makeover for DD (need to arrive by 11:45am and I think it takes an hour) - grab a quick bite in Fronteirland for lunch after (probably have snack before depending how full we are from breakfast)
2:30pm get spot for Festival of Fantasy parade
Finish Fronteirland
5:10pm leave MK to go to GF for 6:10 dinner reservation at 1900 Park Fare
Back to BC to enjoy the pool and pack and get ready for departure

Dec 9
Departure day - ME pick up at 7am

Thoughts?

We arrive on 12/2 as well but will be at the YC. We should arrive early. We were going to not plan anything and decide what we wanted to do when we got there but when the CP info came out we booked dinner at Chefs for the 8:15 pm show to see Whoopie.

 

[1437disney]

Sorry for this post but I have to share with follow Disney fans. My DD is almost 5, she has a rare genetic disorder and really doesn't talk yet. She says a few words, but today she said "go see mouse" (meaning Minnie Mouse). I am so excited, I can not wait to get her there.